Tafseer Surah Baqarah Verse 122-123 | Surah Baqarah explanation in English | Surah Baqarah explained | Surah Baqarah Ayat 122 to 123

Tafseer Surah Baqarah Verse 122-123 | Surah Baqarah explanation in English | Surah Baqarah explained | Surah Baqarah Ayat 122 to 123 Translation

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Fear a Day when no Soul will help Another; No Ransom will be accepted

A large section of this Surah, ending with the previous ayah, has been dealing with different aspects of the conduct of the Israelites. This account had begun with the statement which has been repeated at the end in these two ayaat. The statement is of a general and principal kind, and the ayaat which come in between the beginning and the end are a detailed demonstration of the statement. On the one hand, it encourages the Israelites to come back to the Straight Path by reminding them of the blessings which Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has bestowed on them. On the other hand, it warns them of the consequences of their lapses by depicting the Day of Judgment. The purpose of repeating the statement at the end of the discussion is to make the two ideas sink deep into their minds.

For, what is aimed at in a discussion is the affirmation of certain basic and general principles — being succinct, they are easily kept alive in the mind, and, being comprehensive and readily applicable to particular situations, they make it easy for one to remember the details too. In the art of writing and speaking, it is considered to be one of the most effective means of carrying conviction that, before starting on a long analytical discussion of a subject, one should define the basic ideas briefly and clearly which are always helpful in comprehending the details and the particularities, and that, in concluding the argument, one should repeat these ideas by way of a summary. The repetition of the introductory statement here is of this very nature.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says,

Surah Baqarah Verse 122-123

A similar ayah appears in the beginning of this Surah; it is mentioned again to emphasize the importance of following the unlettered Prophet and Messenger (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), who is described in the Book of the People of the Scriptures. His name, his characteristics, the good news of his coming and the description of his Ummah is present in their Books.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala warned them against concealing this information, which is among the favors that Allah granted them. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala also commanded them to remember their daily life and their religious affairs and how He blessed them. They should not envy their cousins, the Arabs, for what Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has given them i.e. the Final Messenger of Allah. Envy should not incite them to oppose or deny the Prophet or refrain from following him, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him until the Day of Judgment.

Lessons:

We should look at the blessings that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has given us and not envy others.

We should be pleased and content with what others have been blessed, but should never pray for their blessings to be snatched.

We should also never lose focus of the Final Day – the Day when all disputes, hatred and competition will come to end. Man’s only concern that Day will be his own salvation so much so that parents will leave their children, and spouses and siblings will not worry about one another.

We ask Allah an easy reckoning, ameen.

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